Diabetic three-legged dog paired up with diabetic child

A stray dog diagnosed with diabetes is getting a second chance at life, with a foster family that includes a child with Juvenile Diabetes.

Staff at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona have paired up "Petey" the three-legged, diabetic Terrier mix, with an Oro Valley child who has Juvenile Diabetes.

8-year old Madalaine Hembraugh was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes when she was 4. Her mother, a Veterinarian Karter Neal came across Petey at the Humane Society, where she is the Medical Director.

Neal said someone had abandoned Petey at a local vet's office. They tested his blood sugar and learned the dog suffered from Juvenile Diabetes as well.

Neal said just like Juvenile Diabetes, Canine and Feline diabetes were growing concerns, although not much was known about Canine Diabetes.

Neal thought it would be a good idea to take Petey home and foster him back to health. She also wanted to see how her diabetic daughter would interact with the diabetic dog. The two hit it off pretty quickly.

"It makes me feel better to know that I'm not the only here with Diabetes,"

TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) - Petey was even able to use insulin that Madalaine no longer needed. Neal said some types of human insulin works well on dogs, although it should be monitored by your vet.

"We even check our blood at the same time," said Madalaine Hembraugh.

She showed us how she held Petey, while her mother got blood from his neck to test his sugar.

"His blood sugar is 295 right now, that's a little high but it is time for his insulin shot."

Madalaine held Petey and comforted him, telling him he was a "good boy" while her mother gave him an insulin shot.

Humane Society officials said when Petey came into the shelter, he was very skinny, and at times looked like he wouldn't make it. Petey's leg was removed, and slowly but surely his insulin has been regulated.

Humane Society officials said, Madeline had found a friend in an unexpected place. Together she and Petey knew what it feels like to be different and face adversity.

Petey will be put up for adoption, once he gains some weight and his blood sugar is normal.

His foster family estimated it might take 3-4 weeks.

Neal said whoever adopted Petey would also get all of his diabetic supplies, syringes, insulin, and a kit that was worth hundreds of dollars.

They hoped to find a family that understood Diabetes, and was willing to learn how to test his blood, and monitor his insulin.

Petey is between 1-2 years old. Those interested can contact the Humane Society of Southern Arizona at 520-321-3704.

The shelter is located at 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85716.

You can get more information by visiting their website: www.hssaz.org